Cambridge, ON — The Ontario government has announced a $19.5 million investment to support the construction of a new, multi-purpose recreation complex in Cambridge. The project, part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), is aimed at revitalizing community facilities, creating jobs, and promoting active living across the province.
Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, said the Cambridge project underscores the province’s commitment to strengthening local communities. “Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” Lumsden said. “The new Cambridge Recreation Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility that will boost the local economy by hosting tournaments, attracting visitors and serving as a community hub for generations to come.”
State-of-the-Art Complex
The proposed Cambridge Recreation Complex will span 112,000 square feet and feature a wide array of amenities designed for both community use and competitive events. Plans include an aquatics centre with a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a warm-water leisure and therapy pool, and three FIBA-standard gymnasiums. Additional features include an indoor walking and running track, fitness areas, multi-purpose rooms, a concession space, and a new public library.
City officials emphasize that the complex is designed to increase access to sport and recreation for all residents, while also positioning Cambridge as a host city for regional tournaments and large-scale community gatherings.
Additional Investments in Community Facilities
Alongside the flagship Cambridge complex, the province is allocating funds to upgrade two other facilities in the region:
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Cambridge Preston Arena: $1 million will go toward renovating the 52-year-old facility, including accessibility upgrades, the addition of a second ice pad to support tournament play, and the creation of new community spaces for non-ice programming.
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Ayr Community Centre in North Dumfries: Another $1 million is earmarked for exterior rehabilitation, including a new roof, eavestroughs, and downspouts to extend the facility’s lifespan.
Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge, said the combined investments will strengthen local infrastructure. “I’m pleased to see our government investing in vital recreational infrastructure in both North Dumfries and Cambridge,” he said. “These upgrades to the Ayr Community Centre and Cambridge Preston Arena will ensure our communities continue to have safe, modern spaces to gather, stay active, and build strong connections. I am also very excited to follow the construction and completion of the new Cambridge Recreation Complex.”
Local Leaders Applaud Provincial Support
Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett welcomed the announcement, calling it a meaningful investment in the community’s future. “We are deeply grateful for this funding from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Sport towards the Preston Memorial Auditorium expansion and the new Recreation Complex, as it represents a meaningful investment in Cambridge and recognizes these spaces as more than just a place to play,” Liggett said.
“These funds will help to ensure our residents continue to stay active, connected, and build lifelong skills. The City has built outstanding facilities that will provide valuable programs and opportunities that will strengthen the fabric of our city for future generations to come. We look forward to opening the doors of these buildings for the public to enjoy. This investment also reflects a meaningful return on our residents’ tax dollars — delivering lasting value through inclusive, high-quality spaces that serve the entire community.”
Jess Dixon, MPP for Kitchener South–Hespeler, described the funding as “a major, game-changing investment that will deliver long-term benefits for our region.” Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener–Conestoga, added: “Recreation complexes are community hubs where families connect, kids grow, and seniors stay active. Projects like this will strengthen our region for years to come.”
Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries, highlighted the importance of the provincial contribution to her community’s facilities. “Community facilities, such as the Ayr Community Centre (ACC), represent key destinations for our residents as a place for leisure, cultural, recreation and socialization pursuits and activities,” Foxton said. “The partnership with the Province of Ontario to assist with the exterior rehabilitation of this building is vital as we plan for the next 30 years of being able to provide important community services and programs from the ACC.”
Broader Impact
The CSRIF program is part of Ontario’s broader $200 billion infrastructure plan, which includes investments in highways, hospitals, schools, and transit. It provides funding through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing facilities, and another for building new or transformative infrastructure.
Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs, including the After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund. According to the province, sport contributes more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs.
By advancing new facilities and upgrading existing ones, officials say the Cambridge-area investments will not only expand access to recreation but also generate economic activity and enhance quality of life for residents.
